EEL ID Please!

[sweetpea355]

I've had this eel for about 2months and it is doing fine. The LFS told me it was a green hawaiin Eel and when I went to research it I couldn't find it. So here's a pic of it, can some one help me ID it?http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h42/sweetpea355_2006/SANY0101.jpg

[TheSaltwaterGuy]

Really cant see the whole eel. Gonna be pretty hard id-ing it with a picture of only a head. lol

[sweetpea355]

My bad, Heres another pichttp://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h42/sweetpea355_2006/SANY0099.jpg

[TheSaltwaterGuy]

Hmmm. Not sure on this one. Maybe go to fishbase.org and search through the eels listed there.

BTW - Nice grouper. What kind, how big?

[sweetpea355]

It was sold to me as a blue spot grouper but not for sure, You should see him change colors, he goes from that pale brown to a deep red. He is about 5.5 inches. Thanks for the help.

[billsreef]

Possibly a Richardson's Moray. They are very common and usually sold under the heading "Assorted Moray" on wholesale lists. Don't get very large, but can be one of the more aggressive eels.

[triggerjay]

I used to have one of those eels... never knew what kind it was..

Jason

[billsreef]

Take a look in Scott Michael's Pocket Guide, it's in there ;)

[TheSaltwaterGuy]

Grouper could possibly be a Miniatus. Research them to be sure though.

[95Harley]

100% Not a Miniatus. Possibly a chainlink eel?

[FMarini]

not a chainlink eel

The eel looks to me as a typical G milaris w/ no gold markings. Like Bill says they don't get so large, but will definately potshot fish

[TheSaltwaterGuy]

100% not a chainlink. I think Bill is right with the ID.

[LisaD]

I don't have it handy (I'm at work) but to confirm the ID, I suggest you check Scott Michael's Reef Fishes volume 1. Excellent chapter on morays, and I think he profiles more species than in the Pocket Guide. Also lists lookalikes, gives size and temperament info.

[sweetpea355]

Thanks guys for the help, when I get paid I'll have to order that book. Heres some more pics of the grouper in his color chaning form.http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h42/sweetpea355_2006/SANY0109.jpg http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h42/sweetpea355_2006/SANY0108.jpg http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h42/sweetpea355_2006/SANY0107.jpg

Thanks,Joe

[IMAGINEER]

could be a yellow mouth moray !!

[Fizhstiks]

I'd say Gymnothorax tile...

[scuba kid]

I was thinking G. Tile as well....

[billsreef]

G. tile is a good possibility also. G. tile and G. richardsonii look much like. It would take looking at the eel up close and in person or some crisper photo's, especially showing the teeth to make a positive ID between the two when small. The G. tile gets about twice the size of B. richardsonii.